How to Get a Title for a Car

Your state can provide a replacement if you need one

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Dan Miller
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Dan Miller is a writer and the founder of PointsWithACrew.com, a site that helps families travel for free/cheap. His home base is in Cincinnati, but he tries to travel the world as much as possible with his wife and 6 kids.

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Updated July 19, 2024
Reviewed by Eric Estevez
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Betsy Petrick
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Betsy began her career in international finance and it has since grown into a comprehensive approach to journalism as she's been able to tap into that experience along with her time spent in academia and professional services.
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Car titles are documents that indicate the owner of the vehicle, and they can be obtained through your state's department of motor vehicles. If buying a car at a dealership, the application for title often will be handled by the dealership as part of the buying process. In general, the seller of a vehicle should provide the title at the time of the transaction, and the new owner can apply for a new copy through the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Your car’s title is the proof that you are the rightful owner.
  • State governments issue car titles, typically through their department of motor vehicles or a similar agency.
  • If you need a replacement car title, you can get one online, in person, or by mail, depending on the state.

What Is a Car Title?

A car title is an official state document indicating who owns the car and who holds a lien on the car, if applicable. Specific details in each state are different, but you should receive a title when you buy a car, and you generally need to produce it if you sell the car or trade it in. If you lose your car title, you can obtain a replacement.

Obtaining a Car Title

Because your title is the proof that you are the car’s rightful owner, you’ll want to keep it in a safe place. If you have an auto loan, the lender will hold your car title until the loan is paid off. After that, the lender will mail you a copy of your car title.

If you need to get a replacement car title because you’ve lost the original, the process is fairly straightforward. Most states have a department of motor vehicles (DMV) or bureau of motor vehicles (BMV) that handles everything related to automobiles. You might also need to complete an affidavit of loss document. In some other states, such as Mississippi, car titles are processed through the Department of Revenue. A web search of your state’s name plus “car title” will usually get you to the right place to find the instructions.

Get a Car Title Online

Depending on your state, you may be able to obtain a replacement car title online, by mail, or in person. For example, Virginia allows drivers to get a replacement car title either online or in person at a local customer service center. Nevada also provides duplicate car titles by mail or in person at a DMV office.

Requesting a replacement car title online will be the easiest option if your state allows it; simply follow the steps on the DMV website. If you have to go in person or apply by mail, then the website should indicate what documents you need to provide. You will generally have to pay a fee, and it may take several weeks for your new title to arrive.

If your car has or had a lien on it (typically from a loan), then you will usually need to get an affidavit from your lender or other proof that the loan has been satisfied.

Note

Some states also require that you have your documents notarized. Many banks and credit unions will do that for free if you’re a customer.

How Is a Car Title Different From a Registration?

Car titles are specific to the ownership of the vehicle and nothing more. A car registration is required to show that a vehicle is legal to drive. Different states have different requirements for registering vehicles. For example, Texas requires minimum levels of insurance coverage.

What Is a Branded Title?

Cars that have been declared a total loss after an accident, for example, require a branded title. Specifics vary by state, but other reasons why a car might require a branded title include altered odometers and flood damage. Cars with branded titles often are cheaper, but buyers should proceed with caution.

Where Should You Store Your Title?

The title should be stored where other important documents normally are kept. It should not be kept in the car with the registration and proof of insurance. While those documents may be required during a traffic stop, there is no reason why a title should be needed in similar circumstances.

The Bottom Line

A car title helps verify that you own the vehicle, and if you are financing the car it lists the bank that holds the lien. Titles are obtained through your state's department of motor vehicles or equivalent state agency. In some states and some instances, you can apply for a title online, but you also may need to apply in person depending on where you live and the specific circumstances.

Article Sources
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  1. California Department of motor Vehicles. "Titles."

  2. Mississippi Department of Revenue. "Title Frequently Asked Questions."

  3. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Replacement Titles."

  4. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "Vehicle Title and Ownership."

  5. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. "Register Your Vehicle."